Parties, drinking and nightlife are most definitely important when it comes to the social life of Britain's young and not-so-young crowd. Like in the United States, there are hundreds of bars, pubs and nightclubs that open their doors to the rush of customers, sometimes as early as 11 am. However, there are several features of British nightlife that gives it a unique character of its own.

The opening time of most British pubs and bars are not the only thing early in the British nightlife scene. The legal drinking age is also younger than in the United States. If in America the legal drinking age is 21, in Britain it is 18 years old. This plus the fact that in most European countries, alcoholic drinks such as wine and beer are usually part of everyday meals, seem to have a more positive effect on teenage British drinkers because drinking is not such as novel and overly appealing activity to them.

That however, does not take away the fun in British nightlife. It does however create a more casual and relaxed atmosphere in most British pubs and bars. College students, office workers and other people of legal drinking age usually stop over a pub or bar after work to enjoy a pint of beer or a bottle of sparkling wine among the company of friends. Dancing and music are usually part of the British nightlife experience, with many bars and clubs featuring live bands or deejays and a dance floor.

Another unique feature of British nightlife involves dining. Although most party-goers and bar hoppers in New York or Los Angeles would be content with a few drinks and maybe an after party stop at a fast food joint, the trend in British nightlife dictates that you eat something while enjoying drinks and good company. You are hard put to find someone enjoying a hotdog or a burger in Britain while in a pub, you would most likely find then dining on fish and chips, meat and vegetable kebabs, sandwiches or even a plate of curry. So if you are looking for a new nightlife experience, come and enjoy what Britain has to offer!